Retail
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A force for good: How B Corps are shaping the future of sustainable business
With the B Corp movement continuing to gain momentum, this one-hour webinar will hear from the inspirational leaders and experts who have gone through the certification process and are actively making business a force for good among workers, suppliers, communities, and the environment.
Asos targets net-zero value chain by 2030 as part of sweeping new ESG strategy
Online fashion retailer Asos has launched a new sweeping sustainability strategy, outlining plans to deliver a net-zero value chain, embed circular design principles, increase human rights transparency and improve leadership-level diversity across the organisation, by 2030 at the latest.
Don't neglect climate justice in net-zero transition, Co-op urges other businesses
The Co-operative Group is urging other businesses to follow its lead and pledge to protect the people and communities likely to be hit by physical climate impacts and affected by the transition to net-zero.
The Net-Zero Business podcast: Inside the Co-op's 10-point climate action plan
In response to the accelerated pace at which businesses are examining and setting net-zero targets to help alleviate the climate crisis, edie is hosting a monthly podcast series exploring target development and delivery. This month, we speak to the Co-operative Group.
Lidl to trial traffic light 'eco-labels' this autumn
Lidl GB will add new on-pack 'eco labels' to dozens of its most popular own-brand product lines this October, giving shoppers more information about the carbon and biodiversity impact of their choices.
edie Explains: Sub-metering
What is sub-metering? What are the different ways an organisation can use submetering? What are the business benefits of sub- metering? What is the cost of installing sub-meters? And, how can sub-metering support other aspects of a business’ net-zero journey? This new Explains guide from edie answers all of these questions and more.
Retail, tech and manufacturing: UK Net-Zero Business Champion urges firms to bolster climate targets
Andrew Griffith MP, the UK COP26 Unit's Net-Zero Business Champion, has published open letters to retail, technology and manufacturing firms, urging them to commit to halving emissions by 2030 on the road to net-zero by 2050 at the latest.
New online hub to help UK's independent retailers become more sustainable
After much recent research concluding that UK-based small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are struggling to improve their environmental credentials, the Retail Sector Council (RSC) has launched a new digital hub offering practical advice.
Dixons Carphone launches nationwide polystyrene takeback scheme
Electrical and telecommunications retailer Dixons Carphone has unveiled fresh new commitments to embrace the circular economy, including making all its own-label products packaging reusable or recyclable by 2023 and introducing a nationwide rollout of an in-store takeback scheme for polystyrene.
Pets at Home launches packaging recycling scheme as Wilko extends face mask collections
Retailer Pets at Home has introduced in-store recycling points for flexible pet food packaging at 40 stores, while Wilko has confirmed that its in-store face mask recycling points will remain in place.
New beauty industry coalition to accelerate sector's net-zero transition
Lush, Avon and Walgreens Boots Alliance are among the founding members of a new sustainability coalition for the beauty industry, which will develop shared goals on climate action and other pressing issues.
Amazon moves to reduce product waste after accusations of destroying unused goods
Amazon has introduced two new programmes aimed at helping third-party businesses selling through its platform to resell returned items and excess stock, shortly after it was accused of destroying these products from UK warehouses.
Selfridges unveils circular economy offerings for weddings as SEEN launches beauty packaging recycling
Retail giant Selfridges has launched a new service enabling wedding parties to rent outfits and accessories or to buy second-hand, in the same week that beauty agency SEEN Group is debuting a new recycling scheme for beauty product packaging.
Sky powered by 100% renewables globally
Broadcaster Sky is now powered by 100% renewable electricity across its entire operations, meeting a commitment to the RE100 initiative and building towards its net-zero target for 2030.
Lidl vows to remove two billion pieces of plastic packaging by the end of 2022
After removing more than one billion pieces of plastic from UK stores, Lidl GB has set new ambitions to reduce plastic packaging further.
Dixons Carphone and Dassault Systèmes unveil new science-based climate targets
Technology retailer Dixons Carphone and software giant Dassault Systèmes have had updated climate targets approved in line with the Paris Agreement's 1.5C trajectory by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
Asda expands plastic-free refill offering
Asda has more than doubled the number of product lines available in refillable formats at the first store to trial the offering, located in Middleton, Leeds.
Asda to move entire company car fleet to EVs by 2025
Asda has confirmed it will move its entire company car fleet of 600 vehicles to electric by 2025, a move that will save more than 2,000 tonnes of carbon emissions on the road to net-zero.
Waitrose teams with Shell to install EV charge points across UK stores
Waitrose has announced it is working with Shell to install 800 electric vehicle (EV) charging points in up to 100 stores across the UK by 2025.
Lidl commits to carbon neutrality by 2022
Lidl GB has announced plans to become a carbon-neutral business by 2022 alongside wider commitments to reduce operational emissions and encouraging key suppliers to set their own climate commitments.
#SustyTalk: Alpkit CEO David Hanney on B-Corp certification
edie's #SustyTalk interview series continues with an exclusive discussion with outdoor brand Alpkit's co-founder and chief executive David Hanney.
Asos reduced emissions by 13% in 2020, despite pandemic parcel boom
Online fashion giant Asos has revealed a 13% year-on-year reduction in its carbon footprint for 2020, despite a surge in sales as lockdown restrictions forced physical stores to close.
KFC and Pilgrim's target net-zero by 2040
KFC UK & Ireland has announced a new commitment to reach net-zero ten years ahead of the legal deadline of 2050, in the same week that meat giant Pilgrim's announced a global net-zero target, also for 2040.
Race to Zero: Retailers forge new climate-focused collaboration
H&M Group, Walmart, Kingfisher and Ikea's parent company Ingka Group have launched a new initiative designed to help retailers collaborate in overcoming challenges on the transition to net-zero.
Amazon's carbon footprint grew 19% in 2020 amid pandemic parcel boom
Amazon has revealed that its absolute global carbon emissions rose 19% year-on-year in 2020, largely due to increased demand for online shopping as lockdown restrictions forced physical stores to close.
Report: 60% of sustainability claims by fashion giants are greenwashing
A study of the websites of 12 of the biggest British and European fashion brands, including Asos, H&M and Zara, has found that 60% of the environmental claims could be classed as "unsubstantiated" and "misleading".
Asda reduces emissions by 16% over 12-month period
Supermarket giant Asda has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 16% over the last year, as it builds towards a net-zero carbon goal set for 2040.
Target pledges to reach net-zero and become a 'circular' business by 2040
US retail giant Target has outlined a sweeping new sustainability vision through to 2040, including commitments to net-zero emissions and eliminating waste.
Amazon accused of wasting and destroying mountains of unsold products in the UK
Online retail giant Amazon has been accused of destroying millions of unsold items every year by ITV, which sent journalists to film undercover at the Dunfermline warehouse.
'Votes have jumped dramatically': Why investors are pressing companies to accelerate climate action
The 2021 AGM season saw a flurry of climate-related shareholder resolutions being filed - and passed - at the world's biggest banks and fossil fuel majors. Here, edie interviews the architects of these resolutions to get an inside look at their development and growing success.
Kingfisher, DS Smith and Turner & Townsend unveil science-based targets
Screwfix and B&Q's parent firm Kingfisher has had carbon reduction targets consistent with the required pace to limit global warming to the 1.5C target of the Paris Agreement approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), while both packaging firm DS Smith and consultants Turner & Townsend have unveiled net-zero commitments.
Domino's introduces electric mopeds into delivery fleet
Pizza brand Domino's is set to introduce more than 200 electric mopeds for deliveries across London, after trialling the vehicles from NIU Technologies.
Waitrose and Aldi to use ocean-bound plastics for packaging on dozens of products
Waitrose & Partners has marked World Oceans Day (8 June) by unveiling plans to add ocean-bound plastics to packaging across 71 products, including ready meals, fruit and vegetables.
Kingfisher enters £550m sustainability and community-linked loan
Screwfix and B&Q's parent firm Kingfisher has signed for a £550m revolving credit facility agreement (RCF) with interest rates linked to environmental and community targets.
Amazon could be forced to disclose its plastic footprint
E-commerce giant Amazon's shareholders will vote this week on whether the firm should adopt a resolution requiring it to disclose how much plastic packaging it produces - and how much of this is likely to end up polluting the environment.
Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Can we deliver a green recovery for retail?
With 'non-essential' shops back open in the UK after lockdown, episode 102 of the Sustainable Business Covered Podcast explores how the retail sector can deliver a green recovery.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson urges UK SMEs to make net-zero commitments
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has issued a rallying call to the UK's small and medium-sized (SME) businesses to make small steps to reduce emissions and contribute to the UK's net-zero target for 2050.
edie launches new business guide on the circular economy
Organisations looking to accelerate the transition to a circular economy now have access to a comprehensive 'edie explains' guide which breaks down everything there is to know about achieving a zero-waste world.
Circular economy: Arc'teryx launches resale, care and repair services
Outdoor clothing and equipment brant Arc'teryx has launched a new programme enabling consumers to resell, repair, upcycle and extend the life of their products.
'Be clear and upfront': CMA urges UK businesses to avoid greenwashing
After finding that 40% of sustainability-related claims by businesses online could be misleading, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has set out recommendations on avoiding greenwashing.
Aldi launches in-store recycling scheme for problem plastics
Aldi has added collection points for soft and flexible plastics, which most UK councils do not collect from homes, to 20 of its UK stores.
Costa Coffee to install EV chargers at hundreds of UK drive-thrus
Costa Coffee has announced plans to install rapid electric vehicle (EV) chargers at up to 200 of its UK drive-thru locations.
Amazon launches inaugural sustainability bond, priced at $1bn
E-commerce giant Amazon has issued a $1bn sustainability-focussed bond, with funds raised set to assist the delivery of the firm's low-carbon and social sustainability targets.
Made.com launches giving platform for used homewares in circular economy push
Online home and lifestyle retailer Made.com has launched a new service enabling customers to list used goods for resale or free donation, as part of its drive to become a "truly circular business'.
UK's retail giants 'have halved emissions since 2005'
An analysis of the climate footprint of dozens of the UK's best-known retailers has revealed that the sector's carbon emissions are down 49% on 2005 levels.
Pandora to ditch mined diamonds over sustainability concerns
The world's largest jewellery brand, Pandora, has announced plans to stop sourcing mined diamonds and to switch to only lab-grown alternatives.
From Aldi to Waitrose: UK food giants threaten to boycott Brazilian suppliers over deforestation
A string of big-name supermarkets, food-to-go chains, suppliers and manufacturers have threatened to boycott Brazilian products if lawmakers there do not bolster laws designed to protect the Amazon rainforest.
Ikea launches buy-back service in all UK stores
Following a string of Covid-19-related delays, Ikea has launched its long-awaited buy-back scheme for furniture across its UK stores.
Co-op targets carbon neutrality across own-brand food and drink by 2025
In what it claims is a first for a UK supermarket, the Co-op has pledged to ensure that all own-brand food and drink products are carbon neutral by 2025.
B Corp Oddbox targets net-zero emissions by 2030
Surplus fruit and vegetable redistributor Oddbox has unveiled new pledges to reach net-zero emissions by 2030 and reduce emissions by saving 150,000 tonnes of food waste by 2025.
Textiles 2030: Fashion giants pledge to halve climate impacts
A string of big-name fashion brands including Primark, JD Sports and ASOS have joined a new WRAP initiative mandating them to halve emissions by 2030, with a longer-term view to reaching net-zero.
Klarna to show consumers the carbon footprint of their shopping
'Buy now, pay later' platform Klarna has launched a new tool that lets customers track the carbon footprint of their purchases.
Regenerative and circular net-zero transition: Inside Mulberry's new sustainability strategy
In an exclusive interview with edie, Mulberry's chief executive Thierry Andretta explains how its new ambitions to reach net-zero by 2035 and champion transparency, regeneration and circularity will be delivered.
Aldi launches packaging-free refillable trial
Aldi has today (14 April) launched its first trial of packaging-free products, with a variety of rice and pasta on offer as part of a new refillable service.
Retailers including Morrisons and Superdry roll-out recycling solution for plastic fashion packaging
A string of big-name UK retailers have started rolling out recycled polythene packaging for garments and accessories, ahead of a new tax on plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled content.
Co-op bans sale of peat-based compost to reduce emissions
Retailer Co-op has introduced a ban on peat-based compost in a bid to help customers reduce their greenhouse gas emissions footprint and reach its own carbon commitments.
UK's largest used books business targets carbon neutrality by 2022
World of Books Group, the UK's largest retailer for used books, has committed to becoming a carbon-neutral business by 2022.
Climate and waste: HelloFresh and Superdrug make new sustainability commitments
Meal-kit giant HelloFresh has pledged to halve food waste by 2022, in the same week that Superdrug's parent company, A.S. Watson Group, committed to eliminate unnecessary packaging.
Ocado and KP Snacks detail progress on plastic phase-outs
Online retailer Ocado had launched a refresh of its own-range products that will remove more than nine million pieces of packaging while also reducing the amount of plastic used, while KP Snacks has also announced packaging reductions.
Dixons Carphone plots path to net-zero supply chain emissions
After pledging to become a net-zero business by 2040, Dixons Carphone has announced plans to help its 10,000 suppliers measure and reduce their climate impact.
Circular economy models reduce costs and boost sales for major fashion brands
Outerwear brand FW and fashion platform Farfetch have revealed the results of two-year pilots of circular economy models, pledging to expand them following positive financial results.
Boohoo could lose right to export to US over forced labour claims
US authorities have reportedly launched an investigation into online fast-fashion giant Boohoo Group's supply chain practices, following allegations of worker exploitation at supplier factories in Leicester.
Survey: Circular economy businesses outperform those that take, make and dispose
Companies using circular economy models like refill, resale and repair generate have seen sharper revenue upticks than their traditional competitors, new market research has found.
Sainsbury's confirmed as principal partner for COP26
Supermarket Sainsbury's has signed for the highest tier of sponsorship for COP26, ahead of the event in Glasgow this November.
Greggs targets carbon neutrality and improved diversity through new sustainability pledges
Food retailer Greggs has unveiled a new set of sustainability commitments that will see it become a carbon-neutral business, use 100% renewable energy, reduce packaging waste by a quarter and improve workforce diversity.
eBay: Shoppers increasingly looking for 'eco' and 'sustainable' homewares during lockdown
eBay has revealed that searches for 'eco furniture' and 'sustainable furniture' have more than doubled year-on-year, suggesting that shoppers are increasingly looking for pre-owned and refurbished products due to lockdown.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2020: Jessica Foster, Bensons for Beds Retail
This new series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Up next: Bensons for Beds' group energy manager Jessica Foster.
Climate Pledge: 20 businesses including IBM and Iceland Foods join Amazon's net-zero commitment
Tech giant IBM, supermarket Iceland Foods and food supplier Cranswick are among the 20 new signatories of Amazon and Global Optimism's Climate Pledge, which requires members to target net-zero by 2040 at the latest.
Purpose-led products: Ocado launches a dedicated aisle for B-Corp brands
Online supermarket Ocado has launched a dedicated virtual 'aisle' showcasing products from B-Corp certified brands, as customers increasingly look for more sustainable groceries.
Sainsbury's outlines science-based targets to slash emissions on the path to net-zero
Sainsbury's has unveiled a new ambition to reduce emissions from its supply chain by 30% by 2030, as it strives to become a net-zero business by 2040.
Ocado trials electric vehicles for rapid deliveries
Ocado has launched a trial of electric vehicles (EVs) for its rapid grocery delivery service in the heart of London, as part of the retailer's ongoing commitment to reaching net-zero emissions.
Sustainable fashion: Depop targets climate neutrality by the end of the year
Marketplace app Depop, best known for second-hand and custom fashion, has pledged to compensate for its entire climate footprint by the end of 2021 and to do more to prevent waste.
Waitrose Unpacked: Supermarket unveils next steps for plastic-busting refill scheme
After trials of packaging-free, refillable products proved popular with shoppers and reduced the supermarket's plastic footprint, Waitrose & Partners is planning to make the format easier to use - and to roll it out to more stores in future.
Less meat is the only pathway to tackling deforestation scarring soy supply chains
Voluntary commitments to sustainable soy supply chains won't stick in the face of ongoing deforestation scandals. Retailers and investors urgently need a Plan B, argues Feedback Global's Daniel Jones.
Tesco removes one billion pieces of plastic packaging
In 2019, Tesco pledged to remove one billion pieces of plastic packaging from its UK business by the end of 2020. The UK's biggest supermarket has now revealed it has met the lofty target by working closely with suppliers and own-brand design teams.
Plastic-free festive food and re-planted trees: How are businesses working to make Christmas more sustainable?
Retailers and delivery firms have faced challenge after challenge in 2020, having to re-adjust ways of working to get essential goods to those in need amid lockdown restrictions. Yet many have also managed to ensure that Christmas won't be the most wasteful - or emissions-intense - time of the year.
Zalando completes brand assessments as part of environmental disclosure drive
Online fashion retailer Zalando has disclosed its Tier 1 private fashion label suppliers in an efforts to drive transparency across the value chain, and is expecting brand partners to gain a full understanding of their key suppliers also.
Kingfisher partners with Rainforest Alliance on 'forest positive' commitment
B&Q and Screwfix owner Kingfisher has announced a new partnership with the Rainforest Alliance that will help the corporate become "forest negative" by 2025.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2020: Oliver Knowles, M&S Property
This new series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Up next: M&S Property's R&D manager, Oliver Knowles.
M&S to relaunch Plan A sustainability strategy
M&S is planning to relaunch its industry-leading Plan A sustainability programme in 2021 to reflect on the changing environmental and social needs globally, with a new ESG Board Sub-Committee to be set up to scrutinise the strategy.
WHSmith targets net-zero emissions by 2025
Retailer WHSmith has unveiled a new five-year sustainability plan to reduce its operational emissions to zero by 2025, with the company set to engage with suppliers to help them become net-zero.
Just Eat, Co-Op and Bensons for Beds launch new EV schemes in time for festive deliveries
Retail giants Co-Op and Bensons for Beds, as well as takeaway delivery platform Just Eat, have launched new electric bikes and vans in time for Christmas.
Amazon reveals plans for 26 new large-scale renewable energy projects
Amazon has confirmed a major renewable energy investment project that will see it finance the construction of 26 new wind and solar projects totalling 3.4GW of generation capacity.
What makes a sustainability leader? Inside Ikea's Greenwich store
With the 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards approaching, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2020 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winner of our Built Environment Project of the Year, Ikea.
Covid-19 can reinforce the green business case
Reconomy's head of sustainability Nathan Gray reflects on the appetite for businesses to drive a green recovery as a response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Report: Can the retail sector deliver a green recovery?
edie has published a new report detailing how retailers can build back better from the coronavirus pandemic by aligning long-term strategies with the need to combat the climate crisis, foster new innovations and ultimately spur a green recovery.
What does the green recovery mean for Black Friday?
After a month of lockdown restrictions, many UK retailers are looking forward to Black Friday to boost profits. But with consumers increasingly prioritising purpose and sustainability, and with the green recovery movement gaining traction, what will the sales event look like in 2020 and beyond?
Half of Ikea meals to be plant-based by 2025
Retail giant Ikea has pledged to ensure that 50% of the main meals offered in its restaurants, and 80% of the pre-packaged foods it sells, are plant-based by 2025.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2020: Amali Bunter, Lidl GB
This new series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Up next: Lidl GB's senior responsible sourcing manager Amali Bunter.
Tesco targets net-zero by 2035, accelerating climate plan
Tesco has set a 2035 net-zero target for its UK business, bringing the date forward from 2050 after fresh investment in renewable energy and electric vehicles (EV).
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2020: Hollie Clark, Aldi UK
This new series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Up next: Hollie Clark, Aldi UK's corporate responsibility manager.
WRAP: Lockdown has made Brits more aware of fashion's environmental impact
Almost two-thirds of adults in the UK say that lockdown has brought home the importance of their clothing lasting longer, and been a time in which they've learned more about the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
UK retail sector pledges to reach net-zero emissions by 2040
More than 60 leading retailers, including Pret UK, Burberry, Sainsbury's and Missguided, have pledged to support a new collaborative roadmap to transform the sector and its supply chain to net-zero emissions by 2040.
What makes a sustainability leader? Meet the Co-op's Cathryn Higgs
With the 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards entry deadline approaching, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2020 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: Our Sustainability Leader of the Year 2020, the Co-op's head of food policy Cathryn Higgs.
‘Climate Pledge Friendly’: Amazon opens virtual aisle for more sustainable products
Amazon has become the latest retailer to signpost more sustainable products, launching a 'Climate Pledge Friendly' filter for shoppers in Europe.
Iceland trials plastic-free bread and potato packaging as Subway debuts cardboard salad boxes
Supermarket giant Iceland has begun trialling plastic-free packaging on products including potatoes and loaves of bread, in the same week that Subway confirmed plans to phase-out plastic salad bowls.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2020: Amy Blackwell, Sainsbury's
This new series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Up next: Amy Blackwell, utilities and carbon reporting manager at Sainsbury's.
edie explains: Science-based targets
What makes emissions targets "science-based"? How can businesses go beyond 2C alignment and strive for 1.5C? And what role do these targets play in the net-zero movement? This free edie explains guide answers all of these questions and more.
John Lewis Partnership brings net-zero target forward to 2035
Waitrose and John Lewis' parent company has committed to becoming a net-zero business by 2035 - 15 years sooner than originally planned - as part of a sweeping new business strategy.
